Association Implementation Guide | Novice & Below

By Ontario Minor Hockey Association, 03/01/18, 3:00PM EST

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Document created to support Associations with delivery of Programming

Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa Photography

The Ontario Minor Hockey Association has created an Implementation Guide to support our member Centres with the delivery of the Programming Novice & Below including Seasonal Structure and Cross-Ice & Half-Ice game play.

Hockey Canada has established national guidelines to ensure development of hockey players at Initiation, Tyke and Novice age divisions and it is important to fully understand and appreciate the benefits of age-appropriate programming and scaling the playing environment.

The OMHA’s Implementation Guide details seasonal structure, tiering, positional play as well as game format. These game play guidelines highlight the programming progression from Initiation through Tyke to Novice.

“Station-based practices, small area games, lightweight blue pucks and age-appropriate ice size ensure players are engaged and have the right start in their hockey experience,” said OMHA Executive Director Ian Taylor. “Scaling the game to match the age group allows young players the opportunity for more puck-touches which promotes greater opportunity for skill-development in puck-handling, shooting, skating, coordination and decision-making.”

The OMHA strongly believes in the benefits that Cross-Ice and Half-Ice hockey have to offer and look forward to continuing to provide our member Centres with resources to ensure the best hockey experience for players.